The Vieux-Port is the heart of Marseille. Stroll along the quays, admire the boats and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Don’t miss the fish market, where fishermen sell their fresh catch every morning of the year. Sit on the Quai du Port side and admire the view of Notre-Dame de la Garde.
Mucem, Musée des Civilisations de l’Europe et de la Méditerranée, is free on the first Sunday of every month. Take advantage of this opportunity to discover its temporary and permanent exhibitions, and its unique modern architecture. If you’re not keen on exhibitions, take the footbridge from the Panier district to enjoy Fort Saint Jean and its magnificent gardens overlooking the Old Port and the sea: it’s free!
Great deal! All of Marseille’s municipal museums are free all year round (Tuesday to Sunday, excluding temporary exhibitions).
Le Panier is Marseille’s oldest district. Lose yourself in its narrow, colorful streets, admire the street art frescoes and visit the Vieille Charité, a multi-disciplinary center listed as a Historic Monument. You’ll also find many local craftsmen and women, and plenty of souvenirs to take home.
Notre-Dame de la Garde, Marseille’s most emblematic monument, is accessible free of charge. Climb to the top and admire the breathtaking panoramic view over the city and the Mediterranean. Discover the interior of the basilica, with its mosaics and ex-votos. To get there, you have a choice: if you don’t want to spend a penny, you’ll have to climb 35 minutes on foot from the Old Port. To get there by bus (bus no. 60) will cost you €1.80. If you’d like to do a little sightseeing at the same time, you can take the little train on the Old Port (€10 per circuit).
Marseille is lined with superb beaches, all of which are freely accessible. The Catalans, Prado and Pointe Rouge beaches are perfect for relaxing, swimming or picnicking with the family.
Tip: in summer, take advantage of the €5 shuttle service from the Old Port to Pointe Rouge beach by boat! A change of scenery for a small price!
The Parc National des Calanques offers breathtaking scenery. Access to the park is free, and there are numerous hikes to discover its rocky coves and crystal-clear waters. Don’t forget your camera! You’ll be amazed!
(During the summer months, access is restricted, so be sure to check before you go).
Marseille has many green spaces where you can relax and unwind. Parc Borély, with its lake and botanical garden, is perfect for a peaceful family stroll. The Palais Longchamp, with its magnificent water tower and garden, is another ideal place to recharge your batteries, while the Parc Pastré, close to the Calanques, is a little wilder.
Throughout the year, Marseille hosts a variety of free cultural events: concerts, festivals, open-air theater, performances… there’s something for everyone! In July and August, the city goes into summer mode, offering a host of free concerts and shows on the Vieux-Port, known as “L’été Marseillais”!
Corniche Kennedymassimomenucci 15The Corniche Kennedy is a seafront road with a pedestrian promenade running from Les Catalans to David, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. It’s the perfect place to take an evening stroll and enjoy one of the world’s longest benches to sit and admire the sunset. One Sunday a month, the Corniche Kennedy becomes pedestrianized all day long, offering fun and sporting activities: “La voie est libre”. (link to la voie est libre)
The Palais du Pharo, built by Napoleon III, has gardens that are freely accessible to the public. If you’re on the Old Port, you can’t miss it from its promontory. The site offers a breathtaking view of the Mucem, the harbor entrance and the sea, perfect for a picnic break with a magnificent view.
Savon de MarseilleMarseille soap is a true tradition. Famous the world over, real Marseille soap has a very specific nomenclature. Genuine soaps carry a logo registered by the Union des Professionnels du Savon de Marseille. Today, there are 4 traditional soap factories in the city: La savonnerie du Fer à Cheval, La savonnerie La Licorne, La savonnerie du Sérail and La savonnerie du Midi. All offer free tours, but reservations are required!
Marseille is renowned for its rich and varied gastronomy. Among its specialties are panisses (link), delicious fried chickpea pancakes, and chichis fregis (link), sweet doughnuts found mainly in the Estaque district. A chichi au sucre costs around €2.80 and a dozen panisses around €3.50, enough to treat yourself without spending much! You can also try the famous navettes (link), dry cookies flavored with orange blossom, which evoke the city’s maritime traditions. At around 1€ a navette, they can usually be bought in packs of 6 or 12. Another unmissable Marseille specialty is pastis (link), an aniseed-flavored aperitif emblematic of the Provencal art of living, available from €1.50 to €2.50.
Located right in the heart of Marseille, a stone’s throw from the Old Port, the Cours Julien is one of Marseille’s liveliest districts, day and night. This atypical neighborhood is home to some of the city’s finest street art. It’s the district of artists and musicians. Take a stroll through the narrow streets and enjoy a drink in one of the many bars, pubs and brasseries.
Have you heard of Marseille’s Ferry Boat? Well, it’s the world’s smallest sea cruise! This 283-meter-long line links the 2 sides of the Vieux-Port, from the Quai du Port to the Quai de Rive Neuve. The crossing takes just a few minutes, costs 0.50€ and saves you time if you have to cross the harbor in bright sunshine! If you’ve got kids, they’ll love it!
The famous Côte Bleue train is undoubtedly the ideal way to explore this coast west of Marseille. This regional train is a real attraction. It runs on a railway line dating back to 1907. The line offers spectacular views of Marseille’s harbor and the Mediterranean. From Marseille, take a seat on the left to admire the plunging views of the calanques. Ticket prices vary according to your destination. For a trip between Marseille and Carry-le-Rouet, it will cost you around €6.90.
Marseille offers a multitude of activities and places for travelers looking for a good deal. In addition to the must-see sites, the city abounds in opportunities to explore, learn and relax without emptying your wallet. So let yourself be seduced by the city’s charm and enjoy unforgettable experiences at low prices.
